A Donegal woman chanced upon her dream wedding gown after an appearance on the hit reality show Say Yes to the Dress on RTE2.
Martina Patterson from Ramelton was one of three brides to be featured on the show last night. With the help of celebrity wedding planner Franc, she sampled various styles and made sure she had her mum’s approval before finding ‘The One’.
The 39-year-old was joined in the famous dressing room by her mum Ann, her daughter Amy and her best friend Brighdin Carr, who will be bridesmaid. Brighdin’s daughter Caela, who will be flowergirl, also joined the dress judging panel.
Martina’s friends and family. Image via RTE
Martina and her fiance John. Image via RTE
Martina sought help from Franc as she was preparing to marry local man John Coll in August 2018. They had been together for more than 19 years, and she recalled how he made a romantic proposal one Christmas morning by wrapping the ring in a series of boxes.
With a budget of €2,000, wedding planner Franc and his assistant Louise set about finding the best style and shape for Martina, who couldn’t remember the last time she wore a dress.
It was likely that the last time she was seen in a gown was her First Holy Communion!
Franc’s challenge was made more complicated by Martina’s mum Ann. He quickly realised that Ann would have to be involved in the decision process as she was eager to have her say on Dress #1. Ann wanted the best for her daughter, and made this known with comments calling for dresses more flowy, less straight, and not revealing at the back.
Dress #2 was an elegant choice. Best friend Brighdin said Martina looked radiant, but Ann didn’t like it again. “Ann doesn’t like the back so that’s the end of this dress for Martina,” Brighdin commented.
“I know my daughter better than anybody,” Ann said. She worried that Martina wouldn’t find the One, and it was possible there would be a ‘No’ at this stage.
Mum Ann. Image via RTE
Thankfully, fate intervened in the end. Franc was about to try something above Martina’s budget when he discovered she’d already been drawn to a dress from the rail.
With a classic cut, delicate lace and a beautiful belt and veil, Martina looked beautiful and was beaming in a style that suited her so well.
Martina’s chosen dress. Image via RTE
There were celebrations all round when mammy Ann uttered her approval: “YES,” she said.
“I’m totally overwhelmed, I can’t believe I got the dress,” Martina exclaimed. It was even better news when they discovered the gown was well below budget at €1,000!
Tears of joy were flowing for Martina’s memorable moment. You can catch up on the episode on the RTE Player today.
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